Lip augmentation is a great option for enhancing lips that have thinned due to aging – or are naturally thin. The results are fuller, plumper lips that can look as natural or dramatic as you’d like.
At Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Maria Lombardo offers a range of services for lip augmentation, including fillers and lip implants. She has provided surgical and non-surgical treatments in the Palm Springs area since 2009.
Lip Augmentation Options
There are many different approaches used in lip augmentation procedures.
When it comes to lip fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®, are gaining popularity. These injectables temporarily increase lip volume and can reduce the appearance of upper lip wrinkles and “smoker’s lines.”
For patients with advanced signs of aging, lip implants may be recommended. This is a surgical procedure that delivers more noticeable and more permanent results than fillers.
Features That Can Be Changed With Lip Augmentation
Dr. Lombardo’s goal with lip augmentation is unique to each patient. These are some specific areas she can address:
- Cupid’s bow: This is the name of the area in the middle of your upper lip.
- Center fullness: Signature lip beauty means they are fuller in the center, tapering off at the corners.
- Profile projection: When viewed from the side, your upper lip should project slightly above your lower lip.
- Side-to-side symmetry: Augmentation can balance asymmetrical lips.
Ideal Candidates For Lip Enhancement
Ideal candidates for surgical lip enhancement have:
- Thin lips
- Lips that lack definition or volume
- Lips that are disproportionate to the rest of the face
Candidates seeking injectable lip fillers should:
- Have thin lips
- Have a defined “cupid’s bow”
- Have a significant showing of the red portion of the lip
Fillers Used for Lip Augmentation
For most patients, Dr. Lombardo uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for lip augmentation. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that firms and plumps the skin by combining with water molecules at the injection sites.
These are the fillers Dr. Lombardo prefers.
JUVÉDERM Ultra XC
JUVÉDERM Ultra XC is intended to visibly plump the lips. It can add definition to the borders and increase fullness throughout.
JUVÉDERM Volbella XC
While JUVÉDERM Ultra provides significant volume to the lips, Volbella XC is formulated to add subtle volume and to smooth lip lines. Volbella creates natural-looking results that aren’t as dramatic.
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk is specifically formulated for lip augmentation and filling vertical lip lines. Compared to the other Restylane fillers, Silk contains smaller hyaluronic acid particles. This makes it ideal for plumping and adding volume to the lips without being overly noticeable.
What Are Lip Implants Made Of?
Lip implants are typically made from medical-grade materials designed for long-term biocompatibility and safety.
The two most common options are silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Silicone implants are soft, flexible, and come in various sizes and shapes to match different lip anatomies. ePTFE is a porous material that facilitates tissue integration, potentially reducing the risk of shifting over time.
Both materials are non-reactive and FDA-approved for cosmetic use.
Lip Filler Procedure
Lip enhancement using fillers is a quick, outpatient procedure performed in our office. A numbing agent is applied to the lip area to minimize discomfort during the injections. Then, the lip filler you’ve chosen is injected into the lips.
You won’t experience any side effects other than some swelling and bruising, which subsides within a few days. Most people don’t even need to adjust their day-to-day schedules after receiving lip enhancement with fillers.
Lip Implant Procedure
Lip implants require local anesthesia or sedation as well as incisions. These incisions are located in natural creases where scars will be less noticeable, such as the base of the nose or at the lower and upper borders of the lip. After the implant has been placed, the incision site is sutured closed both internally and externally.
Lip Filler Recovery
Recovery time for injected lip fillers is minimal. The lips may be sore, swollen, and bruised after the procedure. Swelling should subside within 3 days, with bruises taking up to a week to disappear.
Lip Implant Recovery
A recovery time of 1 to 2 weeks is normal for lip implants, with sutures being removed around day 5. You will need to take special care cleaning around your lips during this time.
Why Choose Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery?
Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery offers personalized lip augmentation backed by the skill and dedication of Dr. Maria Lombardo, a board-certified surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Known for her warm, approachable manner, Dr. Lombardo prioritizes patient education and safety, guiding individuals through every step with clarity and care. Her practice combines surgical precision with artistry to deliver personalized, natural-looking results.
Located in Rancho Mirage, the practice is equipped to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments. It’s a trusted destination for patients seeking subtle lip enhancements or more permanent solutions, such as implants.
FAQs
Lip filler administration is typically intended as a single treatment. You don’t need to return for additional sessions in a series, and your results are fully realized after a single injection appointment.
Although lip implants have a higher upfront cost, they can be more economical over time. Lip fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are generally less expensive per session. However, they require repeat treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain results.
Over several years, the cumulative cost of fillers can surpass the one-time price of implants. Additionally, implants offer consistent volume without the fluctuations associated with filler absorption.
Patients at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery can use Allē Payment Plans to make their treatments more cost-effective.
Schedule a Lip Augmentation Consultation
Call (760) 610-8990 today to contact Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery and schedule a lip augmentation consultation. We serve patients in the greater Palm Springs & Palm Desert areas.
Call (760) 610-8990 for information on any of our services.
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